What did you do to your bike today?

TallPaul_S · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:01

Is it a gel type like sdoc though, or a watery spray like most? Sdoc lets you spray it on, leave it 5 mins, give it a brush if it's really dirty and then wash it off.

Captain · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:06

It's a spray but it's actually very good.

TallPaul_S · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:12

Is it this level of good? Is so then I'll pick some up, as you say it's much easier to get hold of than the SDOC100 stuff.

TallPaul_S said:
Cleaned it

Well, when I say cleaned it, I mean sprayed the chain with sdoc100 chain cleaner, and the rest of the bike with sdoc100 gel cleaner, gave the chain a scrub with a brush, re-applied some more sdoc100 and jet washed the whole bike.

If anyone doubts how good sdoc stuff is, the is before (last time this chain was cleaned was in November, so 3-4 months ago )

After

That was sdoc100 on the wheel too, no scrubbing, just a quick wipe down after, the rear wheel was filthy! There's no point spending hours cleaning this bike as in a weeks time it'll be caked in filth again.

Craig321 · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:14

sdoc cleaner doesn't do a better job than paraffin which is 10% of the price (literally), but as TallPaul says, you spray it on, leave it, (brush it if you want), then wash it off. Just about no mess.

TallPaul_S · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:24

Yeah I think I've got my cleaning routine for the Tuono sorted:

Sdoc100 gel cleaner on the dirty bits (wheels/calipers/bugs/sprocket)
Chain cleaner on the chain and sprocket. Leave to soak for 5-10 minutes while I mix up some snowfoam.
Foam the bike, then mix up 2 buckets, one clean water the other ultimate wash and wash (found out today it takes quite a while to half fill a 30l bucket from a jet wash

).
Rinse off foam and sdoc, then wash with 2 buckets.
Dry with drying towel
Wax and buff
Enjoy!

tom_e · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:25

The wd40 stuff you don't even need to leave it. Spray it, wipe it and it looks like your after picture.

TallPaul_S · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:35

tom_e said:
The wd40 stuff you don't even need to leave it. Spray it, wipe it and it looks like your after picture.

Sounds a little too good to be true...

That pic was 4 months (probably 3-4k miles) of winter grime, I can't see how anything can take that off with a squirt and a wipe, unless it also takes off a layer of metal at the same time

Captain · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:37

My chain looked like your first picture, I didn't have a brush so just used a cloth but this is how wd40 worked, paraffin was pretty useless on my chain without a brush. Still doesn't look particularly clean now but I used an actual chain brush on my dad's chain and it is a lot better.

tom_e · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:38

I'd have thought the same but I used sdoc before and even leaving it to sit it left crap on my chain, sprockets and sprocket carrier. The next time I tried the wd40 and it was literally dissolving the muc as I sprayed. My sprocket carrier changed from black to silver as soon as the wd40 touched it, the sdoc didn't get it clean even with wiping.

TallPaul_S · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:42

Awesome, will give some a try then

Craig321 · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:43

Clov!s said:
My chain looked like your first picture, I didn't have a brush so just used a cloth but this is how wd40 worked, paraffin was pretty useless on my chain without a brush. Still doesn't look particularly clean now but I used an actual chain brush on my dad's chain and it is a lot better.

http://i.imgur.com/h8lMzhSl.jpg[/IG][/QUOTE]

Careful with the chain brush. The one I had caused sticky links on my old CBF. I just use my main toothbrush these days (the one I use to brush my teeth) and a rag.

tom_e · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:45

I'm pretty sure it was the use of a chain brush that caused my DID chain to start spitting it's X rings out after less than 6 months. Now I just use plenty of kitchen towel and a wash.

TallPaul_S · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:45

Craig321 said:
Careful with the chain brush. The one I had caused sticky links on my old CBF. I just use my main toothbrush these days (the one I use to brush my teeth) and a rag.

Surely not the same one? :eek:

I have a couple I use for brake calipers (ideal for getting in the nooks and crannies to get all the brake dust) but I wouldn't be using it normally after :eek:

Craig321 · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:46

Tastes a bit funny, but it's fine after the first few teeth brushes after using it on my chain

Captain · 8 Oct 2016 at 20:48

Hmm maybe I'll swap to a toothbrush then, you can get tesco basic toothbrushes in packs of 10 for less than £1 so I'll get some.

Draeger · 8 Oct 2016 at 22:08

Bought a big tub of Paraffin from B&Q months ago and it does the chain cleaning job perfectly, coupled up with a toothbrush.

metamorphpwner · 9 Oct 2016 at 08:57

THIS is the wd40 cleaner I use, really good stuff and pretty cheap too. £8.49 or 2 for £8.89
Plus delivery but they have the same deal on lube/wax so works out cheap if you're buying a few.

Crowze · 9 Oct 2016 at 09:43

This is why they invented shaft drive

TripleT · 9 Oct 2016 at 10:14

I use wd40 cleaner too, amazing stuff.

What do you guys put under the bike to catch the oily mess when chain cleaning? Doesn't sit well with the wife and the block paving driveway!

Draeger · 9 Oct 2016 at 10:35

TripleT said:
I use wd40 cleaner too, amazing stuff.

What do you guys put under the bike to catch the oily mess when chain cleaning? Doesn't sit well with the wife and the block paving driveway!

I usually lay down an old newspaper and then on top of that I put an old paint tray with some Paraffin poured into it. Then take back wheel off and lay the chain in the Paraffin. Scrub away with the toothbrush and rotate chain through the Paraffin so it gets a good clean right along its entire run. Dry off and refit. Job done. I have omitted the 're-lube chain' step as I don't bother - I haz a Scottoiler fitted.